TIN now needed to open a bank account in Sri Lanka from 1 November: how to get yours free
සිංහලෙන් කියවන්න: TIN අංකය ගැන සිංහල ලිපිය
From 1 November 2026, banks and financial institutions in Sri Lanka must see a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate before they open an account for you or issue you a credit card. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) announced the requirement in a public notice in September 2026, under the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2026, as Ada Derana, Daily Mirror and Daily FT reported.
What needs a TIN certificate from 1 November
- Opening an account at any bank or financial institution
- Getting a credit card
- Getting a building plan approved
- Registering a motor vehicle
- Renewing a vehicle revenue licence
- Registering land or a title to land
- Registering a business
- Transferring shares in a company incorporated in Sri Lanka (both the person transferring and the person receiving them)
Officials handling these transactions have been told to see a valid TIN certificate before going ahead. Instead of the certificate, they can also accept a printout of the IRD's online verification result showing your NIC number and your TIN.
Does this affect my existing bank account?
As reported, the IRD notice covers opening an account and getting a credit card. It does not say that existing accounts will be frozen or closed. Your bank may still ask you to update your details, so it is worth having your TIN ready.
Who needs a TIN
Getting a TIN is compulsory for every resident aged 18 or over on 31 December 2023, and for everyone who has turned or turns 18 since 1 January 2024. Registering for a TIN does not by itself mean you owe income tax; that depends on your income.
In June 2026 the IRD said that about 4 million of the roughly 17 million people who must register still had not, Ada Derana reported.
How to get your TIN, free, online
- Go to the IRD's e-Services TIN registration page (or ird.gov.lk → e-Services → Taxpayer Registration).
- Choose registration as an individual and enter your details exactly as they appear on your NIC: name, NIC number, address, mobile number and email address.
- Upload a PDF scan of both sides of your NIC. If your address is different from the one on your NIC, also upload proof of address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, passbook or Grama Niladhari certificate.
- Submit the application. Once the IRD has reviewed it, your TIN certificate and a one-time PIN are sent to your email address.
Prefer paper? Fill in the registration form at the IRD head office or a regional office, or post it with copies of your documents to the Commissioner General, Inland Revenue Department, Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 02. The certificate is then sent to you by post.
It costs nothing. The IRD issues TINs free of charge, so do not pay anyone to get one for you.
Already have a TIN? Check it and print it
Open the IRD's Verify IRD Information page, choose Verify Registration and enter your details. A printout of the result showing your NIC number and TIN is accepted in place of the certificate.
Before you go to the bank
- Get your TIN now, not at the bank counter.
- Keep a copy of the certificate or the verification result, as a PDF or printout.
- Make sure the email address and mobile number on your IRD record are current: the certificate and PIN are sent by email.
- Choosing a new account? Compare savings accounts, credit cards and fixed deposit rates across banks on AnyBanq.
Sources: IRD public notice of September 2026, as reported by Ada Derana, Daily Mirror and Daily FT (25 and 26 September 2026); IRD e-Services. AnyBanq is not affiliated with the Inland Revenue Department. This article is for information only and is not tax advice; check ird.gov.lk for the latest requirements.
